Doctors wrong about patients' wants

THERE are gaps between the types of treatment patients want and what doctors think they want, according to new research.

One study, published on bmj.com, reveals that doctors believe 71 per cent of patients with breast cancer rate keeping their breast as a "top priority". But just seven per cent of patients asked the same question said this was their primary concern.

In another study, doctors said 96 per cent of breast cancer patients considering chemotherapy rated living as long as possible a top priority, while the figure reported by patients was 59 per cent.

Experts say patients often change their preferred treatment once they are fully informed of the risks and benefits.

For example, 40 per cent fewer patients preferred surgery for benign prostate disease once they learned of the risks of sexual dysfunction.

The authors of the report, Albert Mulleym, Chris Trimble and Glyn Elwyn, said: "Ensuring patients' preferences are not misdiagnosed is not as simple as asking the patient what he or she wants.

"Instead, it requires three steps: adopting a mindset of scientific detachment; using data to formulate a provisional diagnosis; and engaging the patient in conversation and deliberation."

They argue that better diagnosis could reduce the cost of healthcare because "engaged" and "informed" patients often choose less intensive care and become more careful about having multiple procedures.

They said: "It is tantalising to consider that budget-challenged health systems around the world could simultaneously give patients what they want and cut costs."